Dear Neighbors,
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Happy Holidays!
I’m honored and humbled to be your new Lake County Board Member. To all who supported our campaign, thank you. To those who didn’t support us this time, I’m here to represent all our community, and I hope to earn your vote next time.
I would like to thank my predecessor, Steve Carlson, for his 18 years of service to the county. His work on county initiatives like 2-1-1 are a legacy anyone would be proud of. I look forward to working with Steve, other members of the board, and community members, to ensure Lake County is a great place to live and raise a family. Steve received a special recognition for his years of service to the county at the December 15th Lake County Board meeting. You can view it here
I would like to continue the conversation we started during the campaign by offering multiple lines of communication. Please feel free to reach out via email to ccasbon@lakecountyil.gov or call or text me at 224-501-5323. You may also “like” or follow my Facebook Page using the shortcut @MemberCasbon. After the holidays, and as I get more settled in my county responsibilities, I will find a way to conduct office hours and hold some events, either virtually or (as the COVID-19 numbers come down) in-person in a safe and socially distanced way.
This holiday season is unlike any other. Many are suffering, and many more must be separated from the family members who give them comfort. My heart goes out to you. I hope you all have the happiest, safest holidays possible, and that you are comforted by the promise that 2021 holds for all of us. As I write this, the Lake County Health Department is set to begin delivering COVID-19 vaccines. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Please stay in touch,
Carissa Casbon
Lake County Board Member District 7
Lake County Government News
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COVID-19 Vaccine Registration
A COVID-19 vaccine is coming soon. I am excited to let you know that our Health Department has opened the Lake County AllVax Portal. Please register so you can be notified when it is time to make your appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.
How it works:
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When you click the link, you can register yourself or another person
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Enter your name, birthdate, zip code and risk factors
- If eligible to receive the vaccine now, you will be asked to schedule an appointment
- If you’re not eligible now, you will be notified when you are able to schedule an appointment
Because the supply of vaccines is limited, certain residents will receive their vaccines before others. The Health Department is following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on this timing. Healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities will receive first priority. Learn more
Learn More About the Vaccine at Jan. 13 Virtual Town Hall
At Lake County's next Virtual Town Hall on Jan. 13, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart will host a discussion with Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister and others about the County's vaccination plans and efforts and answer related questions from the community.
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From Left Carissa Casbon, Gina Roberts, and Paras Parekh
New Lake County Board Members Take Office; Chair Hart and Vice-Chair Cunningham are Reappointed
I was pleased to be among three newly elected Lake County Board members who were sworn into office on Dec. 7, along with five members who were elected to subsequent terms of office.
After the swearing-in, our board's first official act of business was to appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair for two-year terms. The board voted to re-appoint Sandy Hart (left) as Lake County Board Chair and Mary Ross-Cunningham (right) as Lake County Board Vice-Chair. Read more or view the meeting
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The board met again on Dec. 15 and voted to adopt new rules for the coming term and adopted a calendar of board and committee meetings for 2021. The board also selected the chair and vice chair for all standing committees. All board and committee meetings are livestreamed at lakecounty.tv and recorded to watch at any time. View the Dec. 15 meeting
Lake County Offices Closed Dec. 24 and 25; Jan. 1
Lake County government offices will be closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Some departments may also have abbreviated hours on Dec. 31. If you need to visit a county office around the holidays, please check their website or call them in advance to make sure they are open. We continue to encourage all members of the public to reach out by phone and email instead of visiting in person to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Have a safe, happy and health holiday season!
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School Board Candidates Must File by Dec. 21 to Appear on April 6 Ballot
The Lake County Clerk’s Office reminds those wishing to run for their local school board in the April 6, 2021, consolidated election to file their nominating papers in person no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Clerk’s Office at 18 N. County St., Waukegan. A Candidate Statement of Economic Interests must also be filed, either online or by printing the form and submitting it with the petition packet. A candidate who filed a Statement of Economic Interests for the same unit of government within the calendar year does not need to re-file. Learn more
Health Department News
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Mental Health Assistance
The Health Department’s Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services (CABS) put together a video that reminds us that strength comes in many forms. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, please reach out to a medical professional for advice or treatment. The Health Department offers a 24/7 Crisis care line at (847) 377-8088. In the case of emergencies, please call 911.
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National Influenza Vaccination Week
Dec. 6 to 12 was National Influenza Vaccination Week. Everyone age 6 months and older should get their annual flu vaccine if they have not done so already. The flu vaccine protects against flu illness and serious flu complications, such as worsening of chronic conditions or pneumonia. It is not too late in the season to get a flu shot this year. It is more important than ever to get the flu shot to protect yourself and others especially as COVID-19 and the flu can spread at the same time.
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Additional information about the flu shot can be found on the CDC’s Seasonal Flu Shot page.
To find a flu vaccine location near you, check out the Flu Vaccine Finder.
Treasurer’s Office News
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When is the Last Day to Pay Taxes?
Those who have hit a patch of uncertainty and haven’t yet paid their property taxes often ask the Treasurer’s Office, “When is the last day to pay?” To some, that means the last day to pay online. To others it means before it’s published in the newspaper (pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/2-115 Property Tax Code). It could also mean the last possible date to pay before the taxes are sold. See a list of all of those dates and more on the Treasurer's website.
Property Tax Prepayment
Residents who wish to prepay their 2021 property taxes may do so until Dec. 23, 2020. To ensure your tax payment is properly credited for 2021 instead of 2020, please take the following steps:
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Prepayments must be made in person at the Treasurer’s office. If you need reasonable accommodations due to disability, please call our office at (847) 377-2323.
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All prior year taxes (e.g., 2019 taxes and earlier) must be paid in full.
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Please write prepayment in the memo line of your check.
Transportation News
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LCDOT’s Newest Roundabout is Open!
In October, LCDOT opened the new Wadsworth Road at Dilleys Road roundabout more than two weeks ahead of schedule. The roundabout replaced the two-way stop intersection, which previously had several severe accidents and frequent traffic backups during peak travel times. Watch this video to learn more about the new roundabout, why Lake County constructs landscaped islands in the middle of roundabouts, and much more.
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We’re with You. Improving Traffic & Safety at Railroad Grade Crossings is a PRIORITY
Lake County often gets suggestions from residents to improve traffic congestion at some of the busiest railroad grade crossings. These improvements typically offer better safety and traffic flow but are expensive to construct. Depending on the complexity of a project, transportation improvements at railroad crossings can cost from about $10 million to more than $100 million. To help guide these critical investments, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is leading an effort to identify priority grade crossings in our region. Several crossings are listed in Lake County and were prioritized based on traffic volume, number of trains, and crash history:
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Barrington – US 14
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Grayslake & Round Lake Beach (6 locations) - IL 83, IL 120, Center St, Lake St., Shorewood Road, and Hook Dr.
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Hawthorn Woods – Old McHenry Road between Quentin Road and Midlothian Road
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Mundelein – IL 60 and 83
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North Chicago – IL 137/Buckley Road
The good news is initial work for some of these locations has already begun. Lake County has started planning for a railroad grade separation on Old McHenry Road, and studies on some of the other crossings are underway by different agencies. Learn more about the benefit of improving railroad grade crossings by watching this video.
Quentin Road Widening is Nearing Completion
Construction on Lake County's Quentin Road project is substantially complete. All lanes were opened in late November, marking the beginning of a new and improved Quentin Road in Kildeer and Lake Zurich. Traffic backups had long plagued this stretch of road in its previous two lane configuration, so construction began more than two years ago on a $22 million construction project to widen a 1.95 mile stretch of Quentin Road from White Pine Road to IL 22 to five lanes. More than 80 percent of the project was paid for using federal funds. Learn more about this project, and see the progress by viewing this construction timelapse video.
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19th Judicial Circuit Court
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New Judges Sworn Into Office
On Dec. 7, Judge Marine M. Slavin was sworn into office to fill the position previously held by the late Judge Thomas M. Schippers, who passed away on Sept. 6, 2019. She took an oath of office as Circuit Judge in the 3rd Sub-Circuit of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit of the Illinois Supreme Court. Additionally, elected and retained Circuit Judges of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit James K. Booras and Valerie Boettle-Ceckowski also were sworn in. Read more
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Sheriff News
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Lake County Jail Suspending On-Site Visitation
Due to a sustained increase in the COVID-19 cases in Lake County, the Lake County Jail has canceled on-site visitation. All inmates will receive a voucher code which will be valid to use for free remote video visitation. In-person meetings from attorneys and other professionals will continue to be allowed, with protocols in place to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission. Anyone wishing to conduct off-site video visitation should visit: http://www.videovisitanywhere.com/
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Case Count Update
The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of Dec. 16, 42,403 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 685 deaths. Recently, our Health Department launched new features to our Coronavirus Data Hub as a resource to help Lake County residents better understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities. These resources include case trends and demographics, death demographics, and information on testing and hospitalizations. View the Lake County Coronavirus Datahub
As of Dec. 14, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 11.1 percent. View the Region 9 current information.
COVID-19 Testing Locations
The state of Illinois operates the following testing sites, open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing at these sites is free.
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Waukegan, 102 W. Water Street
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Arlington Heights, 2000 W. Euclid Ave.
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Many healthcare providers in Lake County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. Residents without a healthcare provider or insurance can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center for an appointment at (847) 377-8800.
COVID-19 Conference Calls for Business Owners and Community Leaders
To receive the latest information or to get answers to your questions, business owners, faith leaders and municipal leaders are invited to join twice-monthly conference calls hosted by the Lake County Health Department:
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Faith Leaders: Every first and third Wednesday, 10 a.m.
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Businesses: Every first and third Wednesday, 1 p.m.
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Municipal Leaders: Every first and third Wednesday, 2 p.m.
Get Help
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Get Help Paying Rent and Utilities
If you're a Lake County resident and need help paying rent or utility bills because you've lost income due to COVID-19, you are encouraged to apply for the Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program (CHRP).
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Upcoming Pop-Up Food Drives
Families in need of food are invited to come to the following pop-up food markets to receive free groceries. No ID or registration is required.
College of Lake County, 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, Parking Lot 5 on the southeast side, accessible off Lancer Lane:
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St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 27551 Volo Village Road, Volo: Every Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Lake County CATCH Program Provides Food Assistance
The Lake County Community Action to Combat Hunger (CATCH) Program is still taking new clients. CATCH is a coalition of local organizations that connects families who are in need of food to resources. If you need to quarantine or isolate and can’t access food, the CATCH program can help. Call 211 to be connected.
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Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Resources
Lake County Partners and the College of Lake County’s Small Business Development Center continue to provide resources to help businesses ensure their Paycheck Protection Program loans are forgiven. Learn more
Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources from the Job Center of Lake County:
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Lake County Engineering and Technology Virtual Job Fair - Job applicants can speak with employers about full-time, part-time, internship and apprenticeship opportunities in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Industrial Engineering and Computer and Information Technology. On Jan. 8, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., read more and register.
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Lake County Health Department Virtual Hiring Event - Learn about opportunities for nurses, counselors, therapists, program coordinators and more. On Jan. 13, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., read more and register.
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Four vital Virtual Tools for Job Seekers
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December Calendar of online events
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Visit the resource room. Job seekers can set up a time to use the computers for a self-directed job search by calling 847 377 3450. Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Get Hired Illinois: Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings.
Get Assistance With ComEd Bills
Small Business customers who have past due balances are invited to apply for one-time grants that would cover up to 30% of their outstanding balance, up to $1,000. Call 1-877-426-6331 for more information.
Residential customers who need help paying their outstanding ComEd balances and energy bills should contact ComEd's customer care team at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334- 7661), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Helping Hand Program: ComEd's Helping Hand program offers immediate aid to eligible customers most in need during the pandemic. This program offers expedited, one-time financial assistance up to $300 for a limited time to help limited-income customers facing financial hardships. Learn more and apply online.
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Customer Hardship Grants: Residential customers facing financial hardship may be eligible to receive one-time CARE grants from ComEd to help them get back on their feet.
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Bill Payment Assistance Program: A one-time bill assistance credit of up to $500 is available until Dec. 31 for income eligible households with a past-due balance. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply at ComEd.com/BillAssistance.
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Flexible, Extended Payment Arrangements: For a limited time, residential customers may be eligible for flexible payment arrangements.
Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text "COVID19" to 211211. For more information, visit www.211lakecounty.org.
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Forest Preserve News |
Leadership Elected
The Board of Commissioners reelected Angelo Kyle of Waukegan (District 14) as president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Board also elected John Wasik of Grayslake (District 6) to serve as vice president. Both will serve two-year terms ending December 2022.
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"With our forest preserves experiencing record high usage levels and our non-tax revenues declining sharply, both due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this board has an important focus. Throughout the pandemic, nature has proved its worth as an outlet and resource benefitting people's overall physical, emotional and mental well-being." Learn more »
Creating Climate Resiliency
Something groundbreaking is happening at Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside. Pati Vitt, manager of restoration ecology at the Lake County Forest Preserves, has launched a research project designed to restore 180 acres of former farmland within the preserve using a climate-adapted, regionally sourced native seed mix.
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The goal of the project is to learn how to cultivate and restore resilient native landscapes with plants that can withstand a shifting climate. The project will also engage seed producers, conservation organizations, neighbors, volunteers, and landowners to build and sustain a demand for climate-adapted seed.
The Growing Through Change project is supported by grants through the
Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. These include a $1.1 million private donation and a $216,000 grant from the Wildlife Conservation Society Climate Adaptation Fund, which is made possible through the generous support of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Learn more »
Virtual Program: Winter Solstice
Learn about the science and symbolism of the day with the least amount of daylight during a virtual program, “Winter Solstice.” The program takes place 6:30–7:30 pm, Monday, December 21. Registrants will be emailed resources so they can participate in multisensory activities during the program, which includes a sing-along. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants.
Learn more and get ticket to attend»
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Give the Gift of Golf
Gift certificates are available for use at Brae Loch in Grayslake, Countryside in Mundelein, and ThunderHawk in Beach Park. Golf gift cards never expire and incur no service charges or other hidden fees. They must be purchased online. Purchasers can receive a $10 voucher with each $100 gift card purchased before December 31. The vouchers, redeemable toward greens fees and/or cart usage, expire after June 30.
Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Visit Lake County's Holiday Fun List
Bring some cheer in your life this season by attending one of the many holiday events in Lake County. Please keep yourself and others safe and wear a mask and maintain social distancing, even when outside. Events include Rock with Santa’s Rock N Lights at the Lake County Fairgrounds and many more. Read more
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings are continuing to be conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). The public is also welcome to view the livestream of all meetings in-person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room.
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To maintain proper social distancing, the number of persons permitted to attend will be limited. Public comments can also be submitted by email and phone call. Learn more
To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, click here.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
You are receiving this newsletter because you previously subscribed to Member Carlson's newsletter. However, if you wish to unsubscribe, you may do so by clicking here.
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